Virgil van Dijk issues clear message to Liverpool's youth team on tour in Japan, fans will love it

Virgil van Dijk has proved why he is the captain of Liverpool and remains such an important part of the football club.

Liverpool are currently in Tokyo, Japan, with the final match of their pre-season tour against Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday.

The Reds’ U-16 team have also made the trip out to Asia with them for their own set of matches against sides out in Japan.

Ahead of their game, Liverpool’s captain has had a chance to meet and speak with their academy stars and his message to them was clear.

Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Virgil van Dijk on the importance of representing Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk has made it clear to Liverpool U-16 the importance of representing the Reds and how winning is expected.

After Arne Slot’s side’s latest training session in Japan, the club captain had the chance to offer some words of wisdom to the club’s youngsters.

The club’s U-16s are due to face J-League Select on Tuesday, and in true captain fashion, Van Dijk emphasised the importance of winning when representing Liverpool.

Van Dijk told the youth players: “Are you excited for tomorrow? I hear they’ve got a lot of fans coming. Are you guys nervous?

“Are you going to win? Better be! You represent Liverpool, you know.”

Ibrahima Konate, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong also went to meet the young Liverpool team ahead of their match.

It’s a classy move from the senior Liverpool players and Van Dijk’s message, as it sets the mentality of what is expected from a Liverpool player.

Hugo Ekitike set to make Liverpool debut in Japan

Following his £78m move from Frankfurt, Hugo Ekitike is set to make his Liverpool debut on Wednesday against Yokohama.

The Reds’ supporters will get the chance to catch the first glimpses of their new attacking addition following his big-money move.

The Frenchman has been training with Liverpool in Japan this week and is likely to take Luis Diaz’s place following his move to Bayern Munich.

Ekitike is unlikely to be the only striker to arrive at Merseyside this summer, with Liverpool pushing to sign Alexander Isak.

At this stage, Isak’s move to Liverpool is considered more likely than not in what could be a Premier League record transfer.

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